South Michigan News

State Representative Kathy Schmaltz is spearheading an initiative to rename a local roadway in Jackson County to honor a distinguished military hero. The proposed legislation, introduced by Rep. Schmaltz, aims to designate a one-mile stretch of U.S. 127 as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Highway. The renaming would pay homage to Roosevelt Stiger, a Purple Heart recipient and a valiant member of the historic Tuskegee Airmen.

Representative Schmaltz expressed her admiration for 2nd Lt. Stiger, stating, "This will be a powerful tribute to Roosevelt Stiger's bravery and the sacrifice he made for our country." She believes that commemorating Stiger's memory in the local community will not only honor his remarkable contributions to the nation's history but also inspire future generations to uphold the ideals of courage, perseverance, and unity that he exemplified.

Born in Tennessee on March 24, 1919, Roosevelt Stiger moved with his family to Jackson, Michigan, where his father worked as a painter for the steam railroad. Stiger registered for the selective service in 1940 and joined the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program. After completing flight training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, he was deployed to Italy with the 302nd Fighter Squadron.

Tragically, on October 7, 1944, while serving as a bomber escort during a raid on the Lobau Oil Refineries in Vienna, Stiger encountered oxygen issues while flying over the Adriatic Sea. A witness reported seeing his plane plummeting towards the sea, and he has since been classified as missing in action.

House Bill 5452, introduced by Rep. Schmaltz, aims to rename U.S. 127 between mile markers 39 and 40, near the I-94 interchange, as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Highway. The bill has been referred to the House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee for further consideration.

The proposed renaming of the roadway serves as a heartfelt tribute to a local military hero whose bravery and dedication should never be forgotten. By immortalizing 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger's name in the community, Rep. Schmaltz hopes to ensure that his contributions to the nation's history continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.